Possible virus on desktop?

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I

I R Skeletor

Honorable
Jul 17, 2013
3
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10,510
This machine was given to me by my cousin. It is currently running Windows XP SP3. I'm trying to avoid a complete format because I don't have an OS disk nor recovery disk. Here's the problem, I cannot get any antivirus nor task manager to load. I installed Avast and Malwarebytes without any problems but when I click them nothing happens. I'm using Chrome atm and I'm able to access sites with ease, no popups or redirects. Does this sound like the characteristics of a virus or something else?
 
Solution
A
no conflict between avast and malwarebytes. you can ignore the security centre message on that one. again,from another computer download the files i mentioned in my previous post and install them via usb.post your computer specs,maybe win7 would be a good option here.
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A

aldan

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Apr 15, 2013
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try downloading avast,malwarebytes,superantispyware,and hijack this on another computer to a usb and install that way.run them and post the logs.on everything but hijack this get rid of anything they come up with. with hijack this post a log only.
 
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crisan_tiberiu

crisan_tiberiu

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Nov 22, 2010
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Usualy when this happens then , yes, you have a virus. The solution? a bit difficult...
1. either try to identify your tasks that run unwanted in task manager and kill those tasks & delete the source files (if you can start task manager)
2. try to run your PC in safe mode and install the anti virus (press F8 on boot)
3. remove your HDD and go to a friend with a PC and antivirus installed and devirus your HDD... Be carreful... if your friend has "delete the infected files" as main action then you might not be able to boot into XP later on if an important system file is infected.

good luck
 
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I

I R Skeletor

Honorable
Jul 17, 2013
3
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10,510


Here's an update: I'm not sure what I did but I am now able to access Task Manager whenever I want. Nothing appears to be out of the ordinary. I now have access to Windows Security Center. It says my Firewall and Antivirus is on. I just turned out Automatic updates as well. Oddly enough Windows Security Center says it has detected more than one antivirus program (Avast/Malwarebytes) and it is monitoring them. Yet I still cannot boot either of them.

I will try your methods shortly.
 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

Judicious
May 9, 2013
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XP isn't supported anyway, your best bet would be to wipe the HDD completely with a Boot DVD Wipe disk (some out there) to ensure it isn't infecting the MBR as well. Then buy a copy of Windows for $179 (don't know where to get 7 anymore as stores / online only carry 8) and install. If the system is that old (XP) it might not be worth it anyway as a new PC at Walmart is only $300 (even a i5 core as a laptop we picked up for $249 from Fry's electronics). So computers are like phones, disposable after a couple years and not worth much more any more.
 
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A

aldan

Splendid
Apr 15, 2013
3,999
29
24,640
no conflict between avast and malwarebytes. you can ignore the security centre message on that one. again,from another computer download the files i mentioned in my previous post and install them via usb.post your computer specs,maybe win7 would be a good option here.
 
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Solution
I

I R Skeletor

Honorable
Jul 17, 2013
3
0
10,510


Funny you mention that, my friend has a fresh copy of Win7 I can use. My last question is would a virus survive an hdd format? Thank you for your help btw.

 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

Judicious
May 9, 2013
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0
32,960


Um your not familiar with MBR Viruses are you? As we don't know the sort of infection this is (is it just Cancer or is it Black Death/Eboli?) the best solution is google Boot Wipe Disk Freeware and make a DVD to boot from to run the Wipe program. That would be the MOST RELIABLE way to validate before installing Windows 7 (which needs its own license and would need to be a OEM copy, not your HP Copy your trying to put on your cousin's Dell for example).

 
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